Movie Synopsis

From T.C. Christensen, director of the sensational pioneer film, 17 Miracles, comes the heroic true story of a simple man who was called to do the work of angels. Ephraim’s Rescue relates the story of Ephraim Hanks: a rescuer of the Martin Handcart company.

Follow Ephraim as his adventures lead him to join the Mormon Church and to ultimately lead one of the most heroic rescues in American history. With a unique desire to help and strengthen others, Ephraim learns that each choice we make can prepare us for what lies ahead. He discovers, through it all, that decisions determine destiny.

Cast Bios

Darin Southam as Ephraim Hanks

Darin's passion for acting started with a play in his 7th grade drama class and has evolved into a career, with roles that span from indie films, such as Last Man(s) On Earth, to Disney's Halloweentown High, Discovery Channel's I Shouldn't Be Alive, and Fox's 127 Hours. A former student of Playhouse West in North Hollywood (Jeff Goldblum, James Franco, Michelle Pfieffer, etc.)

Darin enjoys the method of digging deep into the characters he portrays. At heart, Darin is a family man with a wife and 3 young children; he hopes his performance as Ephraim Hanks in T.C.'s Ephraim's Rescue will elevate his opportunity to pursue what he truly loves to do - act in film. More info about Darin can be found at darinsoutham.com

James Gaisford as Thomas Dobson

James loves his "job"! He is so grateful for the blessing to be able to pursue acting and to have met so many great friends and mentors along the way. Some of his credits include, The letter writer, Disney channel’s Den Brother, Cloud 9, Twelve dogs of Christmas part 2, and Shadow of Cabal.

Originally trained theatrically he Starred as Lt. Joseph Cable in South Pacific among other stage productions. He has also been a stage combat director for a production of Peter pan. He is best known for his collaborations with MAINSTAY PRODUCTIONS a film group that produces short films on YouTube such as, Second Quarter Quell, Finnick and Annie, and The Fault in Our Stars. James also enjoys singing. He has been inspired by Thomas Dobson's story and hopes you will be too.

Katherine Nelson as Alice Dobson

From commercials to stage to screen, Katherine Nelson is best known as her role of Emma in both Emma Smith, My Story and Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration. Katherine has once again taken a strong role in T.C. Christensen's most recent film, Ephraim's Rescue.

Among Katherine's wide range of talents runs her life-long passion for music- singing/songwriting and currently performing her latest release and Nashville recorded cd, Born Brave. She continues to find time to enjoy her many other passions which include dancing, art, and above all being a mother to her four children and wife to her husband.

Mia Ramsay as Ester Stock

Mia was raised in the United Kingdom, and moved to Australia in her late teens. She is currently receiving a BFA in Acting from Brigham Young University. Last year she was awarded a scholarship to study Classical Acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

She was cast to act in the 2011 Sundance Institutes' Directors Lab. Ester Stock is her first role in a feature film.

Travis Eberhard as Albert

Travis started as an extra in the TV show Touched by An Angel, as well as the feature films Maldonado Miracle and Paradise. His theatre experiences include the feature roles in All the Time in the World and Carnivale. He also played Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace, and Drake the Butler in Annie.

Travis’ cinematic speaking roles include the TV pilot, Space Safari as well as the feature films Church Ball, Stalking Santa, Three of a Kind, 17 Miracles, Ephraim’s Rescue, and the interactive movie/game Tex Murphy: The Fedora Project. In 2008 he received City Weekly’s Artys award for Best Opera Performance for his role in Carnivale. In 2011 the Sons of the Utah Pioneers awarded him with the Modern Pioneer award.

Christina Torriente as Elizabeth Bradshaw

Christina started acting at the age of 7, but decided playing with friends was more fun than standing in audition lines. However, in 2004 she got back into the world of film and immediately landed leading roles in films and commercials.

She's continued to build her acting resume while also working as a film producer/director for the LDS Church. Christina is married to Enoch Robey, and together they have a blended family of 7 children.

About the Filmmakers

T.C. Christensen

Producer/ Writer/ Director
T.C. Christensen is one of the brilliant minds behind the camera when it comes to these family favorites: 17 Miracles (Excel Entertainment); Emma Smith: My Story (Morning Dew); Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration (LDS Church); Testaments (LDS Church); The Work & the Glory (Manchester Pictures); Forever Strong (Go Films); Sea Monsters (National Geographic); Roving Mars (Disney); The Buttercreme Gang(Family Films); Rigoletto (Family Films); The Mouths of Babes (VTA); Finding Faith in Christ (LDS Church); Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story (VTA); Only a Stonecutter (VTA).
T.C. has won over 270 national and international awards for his work in directing and photography. In 2010 he was invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers.

Ron Tanner

Producer
Ron Tanner has been managing Fort Union LLC and Titan Golden Eagle LLC, private investment companies in Salt Lake City, since October of 2002. Recent investments include film co-production, with T.C. Christensen, of 17 Miracles, Treasure in Heaven, and Only a Stonecutter. Prior, Ron was managing director and senior securities analyst for Legg Mason (Baltimore based securities brokerage, asset management, and capital markets firm) for nine years. Before that, he was an analyst at Goldman Sachs in New York City, and prior to that, an analyst for Duff & Phelps in Chicago. Mr. Tanner also worked for Southern California Edison for 10 years in investor relations and financial planning.
Ron has also been a presenter at various utility industry and investment conferences, and a guest lecturer in finance at universities in California, Maryland, Missouri, Utah, and Wisconsin. He participated in numerous television, radio, and newspaper discussions on utility investments. Ron is married and has four children and four grandchildren, and resides in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.